NRA Gun of the Week: Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield EZ Pistol

by
posted on January 4, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Building upon an award-winning semi-automatic pistol design, Smith & Wesson upped the ante with its M&P Shield EZ line by including a 9 mm-chambered model dubbed the M&P9 Shield EZ. Designed for everyday carry and personal protection, the EZ-to-use recoil-operated semi-automatic features 8+1 capacity, a load-assist tab for quick handling and easy loading. Adjustable white-dot sights adorn the Armornite-finished stainless steel slide for quick target acquisition while maintaining a snag-free design for reliable on-body carry. To learn more about the Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield EZ, watch this NRA Gun of the Week video hosted by American Rifleman’s Christopher Olsen.

Specifications:
Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
Chambering: 9 mm Luger
Action Type: recoil-operated, semi-automatic center-fire pistol
Slide: black Amornite-finished steel
Frame: black polymer
Magazine: eight-round detachable box
Sights: steel square notch rear, post front; drift-adjustable, three-dot
Trigger: single-action; 5-lb., 13-oz. pull
Width: 1.07” (1.45” with safety)
Weight: 18.5 ozs.
MSRP: $479

Additional Reading:
Smith & Wesson's Sub-Compact Shield
Tested: Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 Compact Pistol
Tested: Smith & Wesson Model 19 Classic Revolver
A Look Back at the Smith & Wesson Model 24
Tested: Smith & Wesson M&P45 Shield
Tested: The S&W M&P380 Shield EZ Pistol















Extras:
ARTV—Review: Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0


Video—ARTV Review: Smith & Wesson M&P 45 Shield


I Have This Old Gun: Smith & Wesson Model 76 Submachine Gun


American Rifleman TV Preview: Over There! Part 6; Smith & Wesson M&P380 Shield EZ


NRA Gun of the Week: Smith & Wesson Performance Center 460XVR


NRA Gun of the Week: Smith & Wesson SW22 Victory Pistol

Latest

attack in a back alley
attack in a back alley

Cold Performance: How to Prepare for the Uncertainty of Self-Defense

Defensive gun use is defined by uncertainty. You don’t know when it will happen, how far away the threat will be, how many threats you will face or what position you will be in when it begins.

Derya Goes Silent: The OBone Suppressor

In 2025, Turkish manufacturer Derya Arms opened a new facility in Florida, enabling the company to produce a number of new products domestically, such as its new OBone suppressor.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 26, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Rifleman Q&A: Understanding a Firearm's Cycle of Operation

The cycle of operation is the mechanical sequence of events that it takes to fire one shot out of a firearm. If one of those steps fails to take place as designed, there is an interruption in the cycle of operation and the gun stops firing.

Review: Sightmark Pinnacle 1-6x24 mm Riflescope

Looking for a performance LPVO without the usual associated cost? The Sightmark Pinnacle 1-6x24 mm might be your answer.

Myths & Misunderstandings About the “Modern Fighting 1911”

The Colt Model 1911 pistol and its derivatives are among the most iconic military handguns ever made. But in 2026, does the M1911 still hold up as a quality defensive arm?

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.